Les Voies Royales de Saint-Denis: 8,500 Runners Set for a Stade de France Finish

Still going strong. With a lifelong passion for running, Thierry Vernay, president of Saint-Denis Émotion for more than 30 years, will once again climb onto his motorbike. As Kévin Sylvestre, director of Les Voies Royales de Saint-Denis, puts it, he “knows the city like the back of his hand”. “With him, you should never say never,” he says with a broad smile. The event’s guiding force and his entire team are set to welcome nearly 8,500 participants. “This year, we’ve focused more on making it accessible to everyone.”

While the times are not expected to set the world alight this weekend, unlike last year when Grégory Bernage (14:34) and Sarah Coutts (17:11) dominated the 5K, there is no doubt that the ever-growing field will bring the Stade de France and its purple track to life from Saturday onward. “The new feature is the youth race.” A 500m race for 6- to 9-year-olds, a 1,300m race for 10- to 12-year-olds and a 2,500m race for 13- to 15-year-olds. And who knows, perhaps future French stars will emerge from the pack, following in the footsteps of Cyréna Samba-Mayela, who won Olympic silver in the 100m hurdles on this very track in Paris on August 10, 2024…

Basilica of Saint-Denis, Olympic Village… Breathtaking courses

Prepare to be dazzled: the Saint-Denis area covered by the 8,500 participants is sure to make an impression. On the marathon course, 1,000 curious runners will have the privilege of crossing Parc départemental Georges Valbon and the Docks de Saint-Ouen, stepping into the Olympic Games’ magical legacy through the Olympic Village, then putting on their finest outfit and shining in front of the Cité du Cinéma.

Relive Léon Marchand’s achievements and the electric atmosphere created by the 5,000 French fans chanting his name. Impossible but true? On Sunday, runners entered in the marathon, half marathon or 10K will pass the Aquatics Centre. Seven municipalities across the department will take center stage, including Île-Saint-Denis. For families, friends and those who prefer a gentler pace, “La Belle Vadrouille”, a free, untimed 5K starting at 12:30 p.m., will bring an Olympic-flavored weekend of sport to a close.

A “more than ever” commitment to sustainability

“We’ll be very close to zero plastic bottles,” says the secretary general of Saint-Denis Émotion, who has been with the club for more than 15 years. “Only the nearly 600 volunteers will receive one, for logistical reasons.” Free T-shirts have been replaced by paid collector’s editions made in Europe. “We have to respect the Saint-Denis city charter.” It is a “more than ever” commitment to the environment. Organizers are encouraging spectators and running enthusiasts to use public transport to get to the event. Local producers will also be showcased at the aid stations, with fruit and processed products on offer. According to 39-year-old Jérémy Larson, managing director of Playground and one of the driving forces behind Les Voies Royales de Saint-Denis, a relay marathon could be in the works for future editions.

With Saint-Denis recording a poverty rate of 37% in 2021, Les Voies Royales aims to involve the local community and raise the profile of the city. With 8,500 future finishers spread across six race formats, the Saint-Denis festival is determined to establish itself as both a community-focused event and a major fixture on the running calendar. Marathons.com will be there to bring you all the action from the front row of this enticing weekend.

✔ Find all the information about Les Voies Royales de Saint-Denis